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Topic: feature request - Skype integration (Read 14768 times)

I know that skype works on Kubuntu as is - but I wanted to know if it would make sense to integrate it into the UI, as part of the phone system. The Video option in Skype alone makes it worth while, as well as the skype out that allows you to make calls to regular numbers.

This is especially good for users who have multiple MCs and multiple cameras - meaning they would potentially be able to move around the house and continue the conversation via video.

Just an idea, that surprisingly has not been brought up as far as I can see.

I've searched the forums and was wondering if anyone has anything else to add regarding Skype integration with linuxmce. It seems skype is more popular than ever and everyone I regularly converse with is now on skype. Heck, even my parents and in-laws are now using skype to keep in touch with the family. We initially tried iChat but this was unreliable in comparison. I know skype is a closed protocol and not free, but I'd certainly be interested in being able to use the media director in my living room for voice/video calls from the couch.

look at the Skype API, and see if you can provide a solution to remotely execute calls with Skype, and be remotely informed of incoming Skype calls. . If you can, you are halfway thru to an integration of Skype into the system. If you just want Skype calling capabilities, check with Digium regarding a licenced Skype channel.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Skype was now supporting SIP connections. Not sure if it is still free, but if the option is there, it should be possible to set it up. (I don't use telephony component (yet), so can't help with doing this at the moment, sorry).

IMHO the easiest and the most efficient way to integrate Skype into LinuxMCE to make phone calls is using Asterisk. There are two ways to do it. The first one is using Skype For Asterisk. You don't need to run Skype on your server and will use it as trunk. Hoverer, it costs about $66 per channel. The second solution is based on FreeSwitch and needs just your time and not money

IMHO the easiest and the most efficient way to integrate Skype into LinuxMCE to make phone calls is using Asterisk.

Asterisk together with Skype is a neat idea, and maybe someone could implement an addition to our setup using the mentioned options. However, one thing that Skype via Asterisk does not support is video calling, afaik.

Getting skype audio integration into Asterisk doesn't seem to be a problem and probably worth the cost of the commercial solution if that's all you want. In my case, I want video-enabled skype-to-skype calling from a media center. Looking at the skype API for linux, it still seems that GET / SET VIDEO_IN interface is still missing. Looks like this needs to wait until the API is more complete which is inevitable when the open-source the client.

nope, because skype will not keep running after you leave the computing area. The app server will kill it.

-Thom

Why we need to leave the computing area? We can run Skype inside it, similar way it's done for Firefox, and make a call. I don't know much about system and especially computing are. So, it's just a guessing.